Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mount Langley

It would be a bit of a different neighborhood, but have you considered part of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Most (nearly all, I think) is below the tree line, and since it is a rim trail few streams to cross (once on the trail). Not sure what the snow is like, but it is lower, so perhaps not as much as in the higher Sierras?

Following web site has current trail conditions.
http://tahoerimtrail.org/current-trail-conditions/

Yeah, it's just too far away for me (driving from the OC) - I was actually in Tahoe last weekend! From Echo Lake they said it was deep snow/ice/avalanche and people that came through PCT (clearly, old report) went around and lately only a handful of people are starting to bother. I am dying to do that route, though! Maybe September, it looks lovely (waterfalls out of control right now!). The snow from central to north Sierras is very irregular this year, heat wave included! I'd expect that in a week it would be much easier - really, Mammoth is the one to keep the eye on... their weather is likely close to the worst which means when they are good so where most all other places. So... Langley-area is likely where I'll still land, at least I know the trail so ice or detours won't be as 'scary' as a new place. Thank you!!!

Plenty of >10K hiking / climbing opportunity above Horseshoe Meadows right now.

Hi all,

Just got back - I intended to hike up to Mt Langley, but had to cut the trip short at the last switchback of New Army Pass, as the area had a lot of snow and I did not have enough experience with crampons+iceaxe to be confident enough to do it solo.

Notes: except for a few minor patches around Cottonwood Lake, trail is clear of snow up to Long Lake. All three stream crossings up to Long Lake seemed fairly tame - sometimes you may want to step a few steps to the right of the trail to find the log. Heading into Long Lake, you'll find yourself facing a large snow bridge with a stream flowing under it (from the right, where Long Lake is) - just head to the right at the this point, following the stream, and find some conveniently located logs and stones to cross over to the other side. Good waterproof boots recommended, this area is rather marshy and easy to step into a big puddle. After this point, there are a few large snow fields all the way up to NAP, but each of them have very nicely made footsteps that you can step in. I made it to the very last switchback before I found myself unable to proceed safely. There appears to be a set of footprints visible headed straight up quite a ways to the left of the switchbacks, but the path seemed too step for me to do alone. If you have questions, ask away.

Pictures:

Thanks for the report & pictures. How was bug/mosquito?

Not many bugs/mosquitoes (I think I saw a total of 2) - not enough to bother me anyway, but I was wearing long sleeves and full length pants.

We camped at Long lake last weekend and saw a couple successfully climbed over to the Pass above High lake. The Snow bridge near the creek crossing at Long lake had broken off. Mosquitoes were out in force in the evening & early morning.

We will be attempting Mt Langley from NAP in August any route condition intel anyone can provide us would be greatly appreciated.

Hi All - I was in the area last week. We did not go over NAP, based on intel from Elevation in Lone Pine. Instead went around via Cottonwood Pass. We ran into several hikers at Soldier Lake who came over NAP. They all stated steep snow face, but definitely passable and all groups used crampons or microspikes. One couple used ice axes. Most of them said it looked worse going down, then trying to go up. We also saw several groups headed out over NAP. We never saw them again, so I am assuming they made it.

Heard today from permit office that NAP still has snow crossings high up, but they are no worse than those on the Whitney switchbacks. Poles/axes of some kind are certainly a must. Crampons/spikes a good choice too.

Anyone have different intel?

I have a group of boy scouts going to Langley via NAP on July 28-30, so I'm seeking any detail someone might have!

Happy trekking everyone!!

See this thread: Cottonwood Lakes, New Army Pass, Whitney Portal

There will still be snow, but if you and your troop take it slow and carefully, you can probably cut and pack a nice ramp up through it.

Thank you for the great information and pictures!!!

How was Horseshoe Meadows Road heading up to the trailheads? Any info appreciated. Thank you.

Thanks Steve

>>How was Horseshoe Meadows Road heading up to the trailheads? Any info appreciated. Thank you.

I was there on July 1 - there was a bit of road damage in a few places (drive slow / rough road signs were up) and it was a one-lane road at one point. Nothing particularly dangerous. (I drove up the previous day during daytime to check out the trailhead location since I was planning to start late at night)

Thank you! The road is sketchy at best. I'm thinking even more so after the damage over the winter. Thanks again!

We drove up on 7/7 and down on 7/9. Like Chetan said "Nothing particularly dangerous".

Great! Thank you for the info!

Anyone know what the conditions are (or are likely to be) on the Tuttle Creek to Langley route?

Thanks